VACATION SPOTS OFFER HAWKS NO RESPITE

A lot of folks like to visit Colorado this time of year to ski. Others prefer basking in the sunshine in Phoenix.

The Blackhawks will visit both places this weekend, but neither destination promises much in the way of relaxation.

On Saturday afternoon in Denver, the Hawks see the defending Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche, who are fuming after a 6-2 home-ice pounding by Dallas Thursday night. Then the Hawks fly to Phoenix, where they renew acquaintances Sunday with former teammate Jeremy Roenick, who is red-hot and looking to torch them.

"If we bury our chances, I think we can be successful," goalie Jeff Hackett said.

If not, they may find themselves buried. were in seventh place in the Western Conference playoff chase.NOTE The Hawks go into Saturday in ninth place in the Western Conference playoff chase, based on having one less win than Calgary and Anaheim, both of whom won Friday night and are tied for seventh. The Avalanche lead the conference, but Phoenix is only a point ahead of the Hawks.

Moreau lifts morale: The Hawks' dressing room was buzzing over Ethan Moreau's charge for the game-tying goal at Hartford. Moreau scooped up the puck at center ice and drove all the way to the net, never once looking to pass.

"He keeps making strides and he's going to be a lot of fun to watch someday," said Tony Amonte.

After scoring only eight goals in his first 60 games, Moreau has scored game-winning and game-tying goals in the Hawks' last three games.

Hawks General Manager Bob Pulford said he didn't expect his first-round pick in 1994 to develop overnight. "Those (power forwards) sometimes take a while--the Cam Neelys, that type of guy. He didn't start out as a 50-goal scorer," Pulford said.

Oates still possible: Pulford rejected the idea that Jeff Shantz's knee injury will make it harder for him to find a center on the trade market because rivals will raise their asking prices.

"That's not a factor at all," he said.

Pulford is said to be interested in Calgary's Dave Gagner, but the Flames are asking for defenseman Keith Carney and might be reluctant to deal with a conference rival.

Pulford also said he would make a pitch for Boston's Adam Oates "in the right situation." Translation: The Hawks could sign the 34-year-old Oates to a new contract. Boston reportedly is seeking a front-line player and a first-round pick.

Back-to-backs: The Colorado-Phoenix swing is the Hawks' last back-to-back games this season. They're 3-8-3 in openers and 7-4-3 in the second games.